403 Forbidden

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — It's a given that maintaining a position in a fine jewelry store can have its perks, especially when you're the mom of a bride-to-be.

Read on and we'll tell you why!

As a longtime sales associate for Gerald Peters Gold Mine Jewelers, in the Staten Island Mall in New Springville, Donna Panattieri got to play a hands-on role in the planning of her daughter's engagement.

Parents delight in all the revelry and sometimes anxiety associated with a pending engagement, but for Donna, her anxiety saw some ups and downs depending on the day.

The pressure-packed responsibility of helping to select just the right diamond this time rested with the mother-of-the-bride.

But Donna was, after all, delighted to share her knowledge of fine jewelry with her future son-in-law, Steven Pugliesi.

A Gold Mine staffer for 13 years — although her initial job offer from owner JerryAmerosi was to fill a "holiday helper" position — Donna was honored to be there for Steven and assist him in the selection the perfect stone and setting.

Initially, however, Donna and Steve were concerned that the ring size appeared a bit too small for Marin's finger.

As an industry professional, Donna went to great lengths to acquire just the right measurement, even covertly trying to borrow one of her daughter's rings for verification purposes.

They even employed the use of jeweler tools like the mandrel (a cone-like tool that rings slide on for measurement purposes) until they were satisfied with the proper measurement.

Donna said that was the easy part — keeping the secret from her daughter was much harder.

In reflecting on the plans (the proposal came off on Oct. 21), Donna commented: "I can't believe I kept the secret. It was so hard but I am so glad I did. And since my daughter is friendly with many Gold Mine staffers, I had to hide her fiancé in the back office of the store when he came to shop so she wouldn't suspect anything."

Steven proposed to Marin in Napa, Calif., after a private dinner. Of course, Marin said "yes" and now Donna is breathing a little bit easier now since the secret is out!

But we should tell you that the couple's love affair was a long time in the making.

Back in the day, Steven of Annadale and Marin of Rossville rode on the same school bus during their early elementary school days, since both families were living in Rossville at the time.